21 February 2004	Saturday	29 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Feb 20: Salvagers, engaged to lift and remove forward portion of Tasman Spirit, the foreign oil tanker which ran aground in July in KPT channel, are set to resume their work on Saturday morning. The wreck is to be refloated and taken to the new destination - Gadani.

A source close to the wreck-removal operation said on Friday that after a concerted efforts of four days, the salvage team succeeded in pushing the ship's forward portion upwards. Tugs and heavy cranes were used in the refloating operation.

The vessel's forward portion has gone down deep into the seabed but it is now refloating with even position. According to the source, toeing of the wreck may begin on Sunday, sometime between 8am and 11am.

It may take 16 to 18 hours for the wreck to reach the Gadani shipbreaking yard. Beaching and other official proceedings would take place on Monday, said another source.